Post Show Thoughts: Powell on Hagel, Future of GOP

Colin Powell weighed in this morning on what he called a "dark vein of intolerance" in some parts of the Republican Party that "still sort of look down on minorities."

Powell, a Republican, said the party has to "take a look at itself" and "think first about what's the party actually going to represent?"

The former Secretary of State also endorsed President Obama's nominee to fill another cabinet position: Chuck Hagel as Defense Secretary. Powell applauded Hagel's "very distinguished public service record," and argued that many of the criticisms opponents have levied against Hagel were fair. Although, he said, "when they go over the edge and say because Chuck said 'Jewish lobby' he's anti-Semitic, that's disgraceful."